Tickets are booked, resignations have been signed and the anticipation is mounting.
When I was a child, I remember playing outside in the overgrown trees that surrounded our house. The roots protruded through the ground as if to form walls around me. I would sit in those trees for hours, pretending I was a hip American with a cool American accent. Never did I think I would actually end up here.
Thirteen years later - I find myself making the gut wrenching, overwhelming and exciting decision to venture back to the country I still call home. Many people seem confused, even concerned about why I would ever want to go back to South Africa. After all, America is the land of opportunity and the birthplace of the American Dream. Going back to South Africa is like taking five steps backward, they tell me.
For the last year, I have experienced what some may call - a quarter life crisis. Questions about the meaning and purpose of life seem to plague my thoughts as I stare at the fluorescent lights hanging over my cubicle. Whatever the answer - I know it's not waiting for me on the sixth floor of an office building, in a brown cubicle filled with calendars and dual monitors. With that, the thirst for adventure, travel and most importantly - change was born.
For months, I have struggled with finding fulfillment in life. I often found myself entangled in conversations with Lu about what my purpose is and where my "career" was headed. Life dealt us a set of cards that afforded him a year off and with that we decided why not visit South Africa? Not only did going back to South Africa provide me with the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family I have lost touch with - but it would also allow my soon-to-be husband to immerse himself in the culture I love so much. The timing was perfect - one year to see the world and to find meaning or at least a sense of purpose beyond my cubicle.
I immediately began searching for jobs. Something that would challenge me and take me back to an industry I know and love. At first I was met with great resistance. Every recruiter I spoke with told me it would be IMPOSSIBLE to find a job in South Africa all the way from America. I still remember calling Lu and telling him "they said its impossible, but I'm going to keep trying". Within one week I had found a recruiter in London who connected me with a company in Dubai that was looking for an Asset and Feasibility Manager for their property in South Africa. Within five days, I was on a plane to New York to interview with the Vice President of Asset Management.
Now, I find myself with a great job offer, the opportunity to see the world and a partner who can't wait to see life from my perspective.
Our bags are (almost) packed and our adventure is about to begin. Wish us well, as we begin our quest to reconnect with friends & family and get (re)introduced to the South African way of life!
Almos"t" There,
Lu & Carmen
